Today, I’m gonna take you on a journey through the world of begonias. Are you tired of your begonias looking sad and droopy?
Fear not, I’m here to help you keep your begonias perky and happy! And the secret to this success? Watering!
What are begonias?
Begonia plants are a popular and versatile genus of plants that come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. They are native to tropical and subtropical regions but can be found all over the world in gardens, parks and homes.
With over 1,000 species of begonias, you’re bound to find one that suits your taste and your lifestyle!
How Often To Water Begonias?
So how often should you water begonias? Well, that depends on a few factors such as the type of begonia, the temperature and humidity in your home, and the size of the pot they’re in. Let’s dive into it!
First, let’s talk about the different types of begonias. There are two main categories: fibrous begonias and tuberous begonias. Fibrous begonias are the ones you typically see in your local garden center and they like to stay consistently moist. So, for these guys, water them when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. Easy peasy!
On the other hand, we have the tuberous begonias, who are a bit pickier when it comes to water. These guys prefer to dry out a bit between waterings and don’t like to be constantly soaking wet.
So, for them, water them when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry. And remember, it’s better to underwater these guys than overwater!
Now, let’s talk about the environment. If you live in a hot and humid climate, your begonias will likely need more frequent watering. And if you live in a dry, cool climate, they may need less. Just keep an eye on those leaves and adjust as needed!
Last but not least, the size of the pot plays a big role in how often you need to water your begonias. The bigger the pot, the more soil there is to hold onto moisture, so you won’t need to water as often. But with a small pot, you’ll want to keep a closer eye on it and water more frequently.
How Often To Water Begonias Inside?
let’s talk about watering begonias indoors, because even houseplants need a little TLC! It’s basically the same concept as when they’re outside, just with a little extra consideration for the comfy indoor life.
Don’t worry, it’s not rocket science. We just need to think about the type of begonia, the room temperature and humidity, and the size of the pot.
Fibrous begonias love to stay consistently moist, so just give them a drink when the top inch of soil is feeling a little parched. But if you’ve got a tuberous begonia, they like to play hard to get when it comes to water. Let the top 2-3 inches of soil dry out between waterings, otherwise they’ll be like, “whoa, too much!”
And don’t forget about the environment. If you’re cranking up the AC, your begonias might need a little more H2O to keep them hydrated. And if you’re living in a tropical paradise indoors, they might need a little less. Just use your best judgement and check the soil.
And finally, the size of the pot can also affect how often you need to water. Bigger pots mean more soil, which means more moisture for your begonia. But if you’ve got a tiny pot, keep an eye on it, because it’ll dry out faster.
How often to water begonias outside?
Watering begonias outside is all about finding that sweet spot between too much and not enough. If it’s hot and humid, your begonias might need a little more water to keep them cool. But if it’s dry and hot, you might need to water more frequently to keep them from getting parched.
How often to water begonias in hanging baskets?
Watering begonias in hanging baskets is a bit different than when they’re in pots on the ground. Since they’re suspended in mid-air, the soil can dry out faster, so it’s important to keep an eye on them.
The key to watering begonias in hanging baskets is to make sure the soil doesn’t dry out completely.
How often do you water begonias in the summer?
Summertime is all about soaking up the sun and having a good time, and your begonias are no exception! But with the hot weather and high humidity, it’s important to pay extra attention to their water needs. If it’s scorching hot, you might need to water more frequently to keep your begonias cool and hydrated.
Types of Begonias
There are numerous types of begonias, but they can generally be grouped into three categories:
Wax Begonia
These are the most popular and commonly grown begonias. They have waxy, shiny leaves and come in a variety of colors including red, pink, and white. They are great for both indoor and outdoor planting and are often used as bedding plants.
Tuberous Begonia
As the name suggests, these begonias have tuberous roots and come in a range of colors from orange to pink to yellow. They’re known for their large and showy blooms, making them a popular choice for gardeners.
Rhizomatous Begonia
These are the “exotic” begonias with unique leaf shapes, including angel-wing and butterfly-wing. They grow from rhizomes and are often used as houseplants.
Caring for Begonias
Light
Begonias prefer bright, indirect light, but some species can tolerate partial shade.
Water
Begonias need to be kept consistently moist, but not soaking wet. It’s best to water them from the bottom, so their leaves don’t get too wet.
Temperature
Most begonias prefer warm temperatures, between 65-85°F, but some species can tolerate cooler temperatures down to 50°F.
Fertilizer
Begonias benefit from regular fertilization, especially during their growing season. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer and follow the instructions on the package.
Pruning
Prune begonias to encourage bushier growth and remove any dead or yellowing leaves.
Examples of Begonias
Begonia ‘Dragon Wing’
This hybrid begonia has large, red, wing-shaped flowers and grows up to 3 feet tall.
Begonia ‘Fragrant Falls’
This tuberous begonia has scented, pink or white flowers and grows up to 2 feet tall.
Begonia ‘Rex’
This rhizomatous begonia has vibrant, multicolored leaves that come in a range of patterns and hues, making it a popular choice as an indoor plant.
Facts about Begonias
- Begonias were named after Michel Begon, a governor of Haiti in the late 1600s.
- Some species of begonias have edible roots, leaves, and stems that are commonly used in Asian cuisine.
- Begonias are known for their bright, beautiful flowers, but they also come in a range of leaf colors and patterns, from solid green to variegated patterns.
- Begonias are sensitive to cold and frost, so they are often grown as annuals or houseplants in colder climates.
- Begonias are not picky about soil type, but they do need well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
Final Thoughts on Watering Begonias!
With so many different types to choose from, you’re sure to find a begonia that fits your style and your lifestyle.
Do you have a begonias plant at your home? Then let us know how often do you water your begonias?
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